Weather red alert as snow forces millions to stay at home

Red warnings are very rare and mobilise the Government to call in extra help from the Army if needed

Met Office forecaster Robin Thwaytes

The Met Office issued a severe red warning last night, meaning lives may be at risk.

And PM David Cameron put the Army on alert after being briefed of blizzards lasting up to six hours were on the way.

A foot of snow was due to blanket south Wales last night, with six inches in the West Country, four inches in the Midlands and at least two inches in eastern England by the end of today. London is expected to get three inches of snow, with 2ft-high drifts in many other regions and up to 6ft on higher ground.

Forecasters warned of severe disruption to transport and warned ­people not to travel in the worst-hit parts. Thousands of children were looking forward to the day off as schools stayed shut.

The RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “The best advice is not to travel. If you must travel, be very well prepared with ­emergency equipment, food, drink and a charged ­mobile phone.”